The mandatory summer break aims to protect laborers from soaring temperatures and will remain in effect daily from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates’ mandatory midday work ban officially comes into effect today, prohibiting any outdoor work under direct sunlight during the peak summer hours. According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), compliance is strictly required between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM daily to ensure the health and safety of labourers. Employers found violating these regulations risk facing hefty financial penalties reaching up to AED 50,000.
The implementation of the annual midday break is a crucial step taken by the UAE government to safeguard workers from heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and other heat-related ailments during the intense summer months. The law mandates that all companies provide a shaded area for their workforce during these designated rest hours to ensure proper recovery.
Authorities have made it clear that strict inspection drives will be conducted across the country to monitor compliance. If an employer is caught forcing laborers to work outdoors during the banned hours, a fine of AED 5,000 per worker will be imposed. If multiple violations are detected across a single company, the cumulative penalty can escalate to a maximum of AED 50,000.
The midday work ban is an annual fixture in the UAE’s labor calendar, reflecting the nation’s commitment to international labor and safety standards. While outdoor operations must halt, certain essential jobs that cannot be paused for technical reasons—such as emergency repair work on water, electricity, or traffic lines—are exempted from the rule. However, even for exempted categories, employers are legally obligated to provide cold drinking water, cooling equipment, and adequate safety measures.
